‘How Reliable is Russian Aid?’ Asks Karapet Rubinyan

During Russian President Dmitry Medvedev’s Armenia visit, the 5 documents that were signed, which extended the term of Russia’s military base in Armenia for 49 years, according to Former National Assembly Deputy Chair Karapet Rubinyan, do nothing for Armenia at this time, adding that Russian media openly state that Russia subjects Armenia to expansion.

“That is a moral achievement for Russia. And our ruling authorities consider it a victory, that, with this contract, the functions of military bases increase: if before there were Russian forces along the Turkey-Iran border, then now they’ll be placed on all borders,” said Rubinyan, adding that essentially that’s a brilliant thing, considering Azerbaijan’s bellicose statements.

“However, a question arises: how reliable is Russian aid? History has shown that we [Armenia] must approach the issue pessimistically; Russia’s C-300 [missile devices] sale to Azerbaijan is an obvious hostile attitude toward Armenia,” said the former National Assembly Deputy Chair, adding that the C-300 sale violates balance in the region, but “they tell us that our new relations with Russia bring it back into balance.”

“It’s the following picture: on one side is Azerbaijan, [and] on the other, Armenia and Russia’s promises,” said Rubinyan, adding that this is only the first deed, the second will be in September, when Medvedev will visit Baku. According to Rubinyan, that visit might be a “cold shower” for Armenia. 

“Russia has all the possibilities to bring Azerbaijan over to its side. I believe that Azerbaijan will take that step if Russia promises to make certain concessions in the Nagorno-Karabakh issue,” assured Rubinyan.